To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must either be a United States citizen or have been a legal resident of the U.S. ...
- You are 65 years old.
- You are younger than 65 but have a qualifying disability and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for 24 months.
Full Answer
How do I get Started with Medicare?
You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), so keep your Medicare card in a safe place. If you have Original Medicare : Carry your Medicare card with you when you’re away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get …
How to get started with Medicare?
Aug 25, 2016 · You’re generally eligible for Medicare if you’re a United States citizen or permanent legal resident of at least five continuous years, and you generally qualify by age (65 or older). However, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you receive Social Security or certain Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits; see details below.
What services can you get for free from Medicare?
Mar 30, 2021 · If you need to know your new Medicare number now, you have some options. In your personal my Social Security account, you can get your Benefit Verification Letter, which includes your Medicare number. You can also visit Medicare.gov and sign in to see your Medicare number and print an official copy of your card. If you don’t have a Medicare.gov account, go to …
Is it mandatory to sign up for Medicare?
You will need to enroll in Medicare Part B (medical insurance) at the time that you apply for retirement benefits in order for Medicare coverage to begin when you turn 65. To qualify for Medicare, you need to be an American citizen or legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years who is at least 65 years old, or who qualifies by disability (see below).
Do you need SS to get Medicare?
Collecting Social Security is by no means a prerequisite to getting Medicare. In fact, it's often advisable to sign up for Medicare as soon as you're eligible (assuming you don't have other health coverage) but wait on Social Security to avoid a reduction in benefits, or boost them as much as possible.
Does everyone get a Medicare card?
Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a red, white, and blue Medicare card. This card lists your name and the dates that your Original Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) began.
Is Medicare issuing new cards in 2021?
All Medicare beneficiaries will be receiving new Medicare cards with their MBI. Current beneficiaries will be mailed a replacement Medicare card and instructions, while individuals who are new to Medicare in or after April 2018 will receive a new Medicare card with their MBI upon enrollment.
Can I get a replacement Medicare card at my local Social Security office?
If you can't use the online request to get a replacement Medicare card, or if you prefer, call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our representatives will be glad to help you. You can also visit one of our local Social Security offices.Aug 27, 2015
How long does it take to get Medicare card?
If you're the only person listed on the Medicare card, you'll be the contact person for the card. We'll send your card in 3 to 4 weeks. You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card as soon as you enrol. You'll need to sign into the Express Plus Medicare mobile app to use it.Feb 24, 2022
How do I get a plastic Medicare card?
You can also call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to request a new Medicare card. You may also create an account at MyMedicare.gov to request a new Medicare card online. The new card may be mailed to your home, or you may print it off yourself.Jan 20, 2022
Are they sending out new Medicare cards?
Medicare isn't issuing new cards and Medicare employees don't contact participants through unsolicited calls, emails, or visits. Medicare communicates with beneficiaries via mail. Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards.Mar 17, 2021
How do I get my Medicare number online?
Sign in to myGov and select Medicare. If you're using the app, open it and enter your myGov PIN. On your homepage, select My card. You'll see your current Medicare card.Mar 15, 2022
Do you get new Medicare cards every year?
Generally, a person does not have to renew their Medicare card each year, as it will automatically renew. If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged people can get a new card at no cost.Aug 11, 2020
Does Medicare automatically send you a card?
Applying for Your Medicare Card. For some people, Medicare enrollment occurs automatically, while others need to manually enroll. Medicare sends you a red, white, and blue card when you're signed up.
Sometimes You’Re Automatically Enrolled in Medicare
Medicare enrollment may happen automatically if the following situations apply.If you turn 65 years oldIf you’re already receiving Social Security...
If You’Re New to Medicare
You’ll have to manually apply for Medicare if: 1. You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but you...
If You Need A New Medicare Card Sooner
Have a doctor’s appointment? If you can’t wait 30 days for your new card to arrive, you can visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-7...
Keeping Your Medicare Card Safe
Keep your Medicare card in a safe place, and don’t let anyone else use it. Always have your card handy when you call Medicare with questions.You sh...
When to Expect Your Medicare Card
If you are already receiving retirement benefits: If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you sho...
Applying For A Medicare Card
You can manually enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways: 1. Online through the Social Security website. 2. By calli...
Medicare Card Replacement
If you have recently moved or need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card, read our article on how to request a replacement card. You...
Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D Cards
Because Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Medicare prescription drug coverage(Medicare Part D) are available through private insurers, you w...
How old do you have to be to get Medicare?
Medicare sends you a red, white, and blue card when you’re signed up. You’re generally eligible for Medicare if you’re a United States citizen or permanent legal resident of at least five continuous years, and you generally qualify by age (65 or older). However, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you receive Social Security ...
When will Medicare be available for Social Security?
If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of collecting disability. Your Medicare card should arrive in the 25th month.
When will Medicare start?
If you turn 65 years old. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, when you reach age 65. Your Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday, and your Medicare coverage starts the first day ...
What is the number to call for Social Security?
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-800-325-0778. Railroad Retirement Board : 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 3:30PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701. You can also sign up online at in person.
What is the phone number for eHealth?
Call eHealth's licensed insurance agents at 888-391-2659, TTY users 711 . We are available Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm ET. You may receive a messaging service on weekends and holidays from February 15 through September 30. Please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day.
Do you have to pay late enrollment penalty for Medicare?
You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B (and for Medicare Part A, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A). Some people decide to delay Medicare Part B enrollment if they have other coverage, since Part B comes with a premium.
How to get a replacement Medicare card?
Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing ...
What happens if you lose your Medicare card?
If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.
When do you have to enroll in Medicare?
If you are not yet receiving retirement benefits, and close to turning 65, you will need to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts seven months. You can apply for Medicare Part A and/or Part B through Social Security ...
How to enroll in Medicare Part B?
You can manually enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways: 1 Online through the Social Security website. 2 By calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you worked at a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users 1-312-751-4701), Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 3:30PM. 3 By visiting your local Social Security office.
What is a red, white, and blue Medicare card?
Your red, white, and blue Medicare card is proof that you are enrolled in Original Medicare. It is the most important piece of identification you own as a Medicare beneficiary, and you will generally need your Medicare card in order ...
How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?
Replacement Medicare cards will be mailed to your address in about 30 days. If you need proof of Medicare coverage immediately to visit a doctor or for a prescription, visit your local Social Security office.
How to contact Social Security office?
By calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) , Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you worked at a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users 1-312-751-4701), Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 3:30PM. By visiting your local Social Security office.
How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?
According to the Health and Human Services Department, it can take about 30 days for your replacement card to arrive in the mail.
What is Part A in Medicare?
Part A —If you have Part A, labeled HOSPITAL, you are entitled to care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, hospice care and home healthcare. The date your coverage begins is also included. 4. Part B —If you have Part B, labeled MEDICAL, you are entitled to medical care and preventive services.
What happens if you lose your Medicare number?
If it is lost or stolen and gets into the wrong hands, you could be the victim of identity theft. Your personal information could be used fraudulently to obtain medical care or submit billing to Medicare in your name. Today, your Medicare number is no longer your SSN.
Is Medicare a Social Security number?
Good to Know. Your Medicare number is no longer your Social Security number, but a more secure combination of letters and numbers that helps protect you from identity theft .
Medicare Eligibility, Applications and Appeals
Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.
Replace Your Medicare Card
You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:
Medicare Coverage Outside the United States
Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA ( 1-800-772-1213) to get this form.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
What does a Medicare card say?
It states your name and sex. The card also lists whether a person has coverage under Part A and Part B , as well as the date coverage started for each. Prior to use, you must sign your Medicare card.
Where is my Medicare number?
Your Medicare number is located on your red, white, and blue Medicare card. Additionally, paperwork and documentation from the Social Security Administration and Medicare shows the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier. Otherwise, you should be able to go to your local Social Security Administration or Medicare office.
How long does it take to get a Medicare card?
After you apply for Medicare insurance and are accepted into the program, you will generally receive your Medicare card within about three weeks. If you are already receiving Social Security and are automatically enrolled, you should receive your Medicare card about two months prior to your 65th birthday.
What happens after you enroll in Medicare?
After enrolling in Medicare, you will receive your Medicare identification card so that you can use it to receive healthcare coverage at a variety of different facilities across the United States. Since Medicare is a government-run entity, applications for insurance coverage are handled by the Social Security Administration.
How long does Medicare enrollment last?
This date marks the beginning of your Initial Enrollment Period. This period lasts for a total of seven months, and you must apply for Medicare coverage during this period to avoid having to pay late enrollment penalties. The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth ...
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Original Medicare encompasses both Part A and Part B. At the time you apply for Original Medicare, you also have the ability to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage, which covers prescription drugs.
